© The Official Newsletter Of The American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association June 2018 Vol. 51 No. 5 Indy 500 Winner, Will Power celebrates his victory with the traditional "Milk" bottle. American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association, Inc. (www.aarwba.org) “Dedicated To Increasing Media Coverage Of Motor Sports” Dick Jordan, who has served the U.S. Auto Club in public/media relations and publicity capacities for almost 50 years and a member of the National Sprint Car and Midget Halls of Fame, Friday was announced as winner of the 2018 Jim Chapman Award for excellence in motor- sports public relations. The Chapman Award is considered by many in the in- dustry as the highest honor in racing public relations. It is named in memory of Chapman, the legendary PR execu- tive and innovator, who worked with Babe Ruth and was named Indy Car racing’s “most influential man” of the 1980s. Chapman died in 1996 at age 80. The announcement and presentation were made at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by Michael Knight, chair- Dick Jordan accepts the Jim Chapman Award from Michael Knight man of the selection committee, and one of Chapman’s closest friends. The award is determined by a vote of than anyone. He has been called "USAC's greatest champion" national media members, many of who knew Chapman, as defined as "someone who fights for a cause." and is authorized by the Chapman family. PR represen- The permanent Jim Chapman Award, currently displayed in the tatives from all forms of motorsports are eligible for con- IMS media center, is cast in bronze and features a classic pho- sideration. to of Jim wearing his favorite navy blue double-breasted blazer and the names of all the award recipients. The text under Jim’s "Dick has been a friendly and reliably helpful presence at photo reads: USAC races for almost a half-century," said Knight. "Dick knew Mr. Chapman and so he well understands the “James P. Chapman (1916-1996). A great man who deeply meaning of this high honor. cared about country and church; family and friends. A legend in the public relations industry who set the ultimate standard of “Jim set the ultimate standard of professionalism, class professionalism and excellence. A superstar who superstars and dignity. He knew that solid professional relationships like Babe Ruth wanted at their side. A pioneer in motorsports with journalists was important in good times and abso- PR who practically invented most of what is now considered lutely essential in bad times. routine. A true 'People Person' who knew a mutually-respectful relationship with journalists was important in good times and "That’s too often missing today in a communications age essential in bad times. A mentor kind enough to help others where an E-mail or text message or over-reliance on so- achieve success. A gentleman who understood nothing could cial media is incorrectly considered ‘relationship-build- replace the sound of the human voice, a handshake, a face-to- ing.’ Jim was a true ‘people person’ and knew nothing face meeting, a shared meal, a hand-written note of thanks. could replace a handshake, a face-to-face conversation, or the sound of another person’s voice.” “All who ever have, do, or will work in public relations stand on Mr. Chapman's shoulders. The Chapman Award has three major purposes: 1. To honor Chapman's unmatched legacy; 2. To recognize “The true honor of the Jim Chapman Award is not a plaque. current PR practitioners who work to Chapman's stan- The true honor is having one's name forever associated with dard and in his spirit; 3. To provide inspiration for newer that of the great James P. Chapman. A committee of journalists and future PR representatives. adjudged those named here worthy of this high honor.” Jordan attended races with his parents in the early Established in 1991 by media and publicists within the CART 1950s and saw his first Indy 500 in 1956. He was hired series, the Chapman Award originally focused on achievement by USAC in December 1968 and has worked for the in CART. After a hiatus of several years, the award was re- sanctioning organization continuously since, publicizing sumed in 2004, with eligibility expanded to anyone working in its drivers, series and races, developing relationships racing PR. with journalists around the country, maintaining exten- sive statistics, writing race reports and mentoring young Chapman, who was born in Macon, Georgia, started as sports racers in how to deal effectively with the media. editor or managing editor of several Southern newspapers be- fore joining the New York Times. He entered the PR business Now USAC's vice president of communications, Jordan's in 1946, as regional PR director for Ford Motor Co. in Detroit. schedule has routinely had him at more than 100 races a year. It's believed he has witnessed more USAC events Soon thereafter, Chapman hired Ruth as consultant to the auto- maker’s sponsorship of American Legion Junior Baseball. They All Contents © The American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association 922 North Pass Avenue Burbank, CA 91505-2703 (818) 842-7005 American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association, Inc. (www.aarwba.org) “Dedicated To Increasing Media Coverage Of Motor Sports” 2 traveled together for more than two years for personal appearances and became close friends. Chapman was at Ruth’s bedside when he died in August 1948 and then officially announced Ruth’s death to the press corps that had maintained an around-the-clock vigil at New York’s Memorial Hospital. Chapman kept with him a money clip with a pockmarked silver dollar that Ruth used to carry during games for good luck. Chapman said Ruth had used the coin for tar- get practice. He proudly showcased several photos of Ruth in his office. One was inscribed: "To a pal that is a pal." Chapman also displayed a framed letter, written on Ruth's personal stationery from Memorial Hospital, dated July 13, 1948, inviting him to the July 26 premier of the film, The Babe Ruth Story. That letter read, in part, "That evening would not be complete without your being my guest. To you, Jimmy, I say you must be with me that evening." Dick Jordan with the permanent Jim Chapman Award In 1950, Chapman left Ford to start his own PR firm. One of his first clients was Avis founder Warren Avis. Chap- when he brought business and feature writers to the tracks for man devoted much of his time to financial PR, which he lunch, pace car rides, and driver interviews. once called his “favorite form of PR,” and helped compa- nies get recognition among analysts and even gain ad- In 1982, Chapman negotiated a landmark sponsorship for PPG mission to the New York and American stock exchanges. with then- Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Joe Cloutier, which formally made the Indy 500 a points-paying event in the Chapman’s first venture into motorsports was in 1951, PPG Indy Car World Series, an arrangement that continued when he joined with NASCAR founder Bill France to pro- through the 1995 season. “That was one of the most satisfying mote the Motor City 250. The race was part of Detroit’s moments of my career,” Chapman recalled. “Roger Penske, 250th birthday celebration, a Chapman client. In 1967, among others, told me it was the best thing that had ever hap- Chapman entered Indy Car racing with client Ozzie Ol- pened to CART.” In addition to a major contribution to the prize son’s Olsonite sponsorship of Dan Gurney’s team, which fund, PPG later became sponsor of the $100,000 Indy 500 pole later featured Bobby Unser as driver. award, and paid a special winner’s bonus in the early years of NASCAR’s Brickyard 400. “Jim was one of the most innovative and imaginative PR In its obituary, the New York Times wrote that Chapman men ever to grace a pit lane,” said Gurney, who died ear- "served as a father confessor to many top racing drivers." Two- lier this year. “Jim practically invented most of what is time Indy 500 winner and PPG Cup champion Al Unser Jr. said now considered routine sponsor PR work. He was the on behalf of his fellow drivers, "With Jim, when he says ‘jump,’ first, as far as I know, who thought of putting up a spon- we just ask ‘how high? And we do it right then.” sor hospitality tent alongside a racetrack (at the old Riv- Indy Car Racing magazine named Chapman the sport’s “most erside International Raceway), filling it with extravagant influential” man of the 1980s, saying he turned “a public rela- race car ice-sculptures, beautiful food and beautiful peo- tions assignment into an art form.” After his retirement, Chap- ple from the business, sports and movie industries. He man continued to consult PPG, and agreed to Mario Andretti’s started an ‘open house’ tradition in Ozzie’s hotel suite in personal request that he serve as honorary chairman of Andret- Indianapolis, where journalists could rub shoulders with ti’s “Arrivederci, Mario” farewell tour in 1994. John Wayne or (astronaut) Scott Carpenter.” Chapman's professional achievements earned him vast recog- Chapman also directed Olsonite’s sponsorship of the nition. The mayors of Detroit and Long Beach, Calif., present- Driver of the Year award. He orchestrated all the details, ed him proclamations and the key to each city. In 1993, including the media panel voting, and an annual lun- Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh named him Sagamore of the Wabash, cheon at New York City’s famed ‘21’ Club.